EVALUATION OF A STATEWIDE PROGRAM IN GENETIC-DISEASES

We used the Genetics Office Automation System (GOAS), a database manag ement system designed to facilitate collection and analysis of medical genetic data, to evaluate the Missouri Genetics Disease Program (MGDP ), From 1985 through 1995, patient data were collected at four tertiar y care genetic centers. The number of genetic visits per 100,000 peopl e more than doubled from 1985 through 1995. The results of subpopulati on analyses indicate that the MGDP has facilitated improvements in: (1 ) services for newborns and infants, (2) rural outreach programs, and (3) evaluation of the incidence and impact of genetic disorders. (C) 1 998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.